These photos prove that the phenomenon of the “bromance” existed—well before Brad Pitt and George Clooney, Lance Armstrong and Matthew McConaughey, or Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

Images from “Dear Friends: American Photographs of Men Together, 1840-1918” by David Deitcher

To me, one of the more heartbreaking aspects of American culture has always been the way ideas about “tough guy” masculinity limit and restrict men. At its most extreme, men aren’t allowed to have confidants, to express their emotions, or to show affection for any member of the same sex. But the truth is, close, platonic male friendships can be found throughout literature, including the “Lord of the Rings” series and even in the Bible.

One comment so far

” At its most extreme, men aren’t allowed to have confidants, to express their emotions, or to show affection for any member of the opposite sex. ”
Shouldn’t that be the same sex? -Good catch, fixed! Eds